You
would think that living in Devon, close to Dartmoor that I lived
in ideal slope soaring country with an abundance of hills, a slope
for every wind direction. In other words no need to move out of
the county to fly! Whilst this may be the case very few of the hills
would get 5 stars in a 'Classic Guide to Slope Sites' if ever one
is written (another project for when I eventually retire!). Please
do not get me wrong, Dartmoor is an extremely beautiful area and
all sites boast breathtaking panoramic views and over the years
I and many like me have spent countless hours enjoying some excellent
soaring on them. No, it is just that at heart I am a restless soul
and like to visit other areas and meet other modellers of a similar
persuasion. Also the time I get to fly is rather limited so I will
drive a 100 miles or so just to guarantee a good days flying.

Dreams
are seldom fully realised but in my search for the perfect site
I have flown at some really excellent venues. Sites I will drive
for like St. Agnes head which seems to have become my local slope
even if it is a mere 100 miles down the road! Perhaps there is someone
out there who can follow on from me with a description of their
favourite / local sites after-all the expected growth in UK tourism
is in short breaks and what better way to relax than spending a
long weekend partaking in the loves (deliberately and diplomatically
plural!) of your life.

Footnote

Before
visiting a site please make contact with the local flyers and establish
the ground rules etc. Discussions currently taking place with a
number of national bodies means that access to certain sites are
under review and inappropriate use could jeopardise these negotiations.
What is my ideal hill? Well one that funnels / guides the wind at
the bottom and top so there is a minimum of turbulence. Likewise
free from buildings and trees etc. A clear flat landing area. A
ridge of 100yds/metres long plus a height of 4-500 feet (150metres)
with a gradient of 70 - 80 degrees and if possible with access to
the bottom to retrieve errant models.